A kamado grill can completely change the way you cook outdoors. It can smoke a brisket at low heat, roast a chicken, bake, grill burgers, and reach the high temperatures needed for a good sear. But the experience can be very different depending on the grill you choose. The Char-Griller AKORN and Kamado Joe Joe Jr. take two noticeably different approaches to kamado cooking.
The AKORN is a large 20-inch steel kamado built around capacity, versatility, and backyard cooking. The Kamado Joe Joe Jr. is a much smaller 13.5-inch ceramic grill designed around portability and concentrated heat. After comparing how the two are built and what each offers, I think the better choice depends less on brand preference and more on whether you need a full-size backyard cooker or a compact kamado you can take almost anywhere.
Key Difference Between Char-Griller AKORN vs Kamado Joe Kamado Grill
The Char-Griller AKORN is the better choice for larger meals and everyday backyard cooking, thanks to its 445-square-inch cooking area, triple-wall insulated steel body, warming rack, and easy ash removal. The Kamado Joe Joe Jr. is better for portability and compact ceramic cooking, with its thick-walled ceramic construction, cast-iron stand, and 13.5-inch cooking grate.
Char-Griller AKORN vs Kamado Joe: Comparison Table
| Feature | Char-Griller AKORN | Kamado Joe Joe Jr. |
|---|---|---|
| Grill Type | Kamado charcoal grill | Portable ceramic kamado |
| Body | Triple-wall steel | Thick-wall ceramic |
| Cooking Area | 445 sq. in. | 13.5-inch grate |
| Fuel | Charcoal | Charcoal |
| Temperature Range | 200°F–700°F | Not listed |
| Cooking Grate | Cast iron | 304 stainless steel |
| Warming Rack | Yes | No |
| Temperature Gauge | Built-in | Built-in |
| Air Control | Dual adjustable dampers | Cast-iron air vent |
| Ash Removal | EasyDump ash pan | Ash tool |
| Stand | Built-in with casters | Cast-iron stand |
| Portability | Movable backyard grill | Highly portable |
| Best For | Family meals, smoking, grilling | Small meals, travel, compact cooking |
| Check Latest Price On Amazon | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
The biggest thing I noticed about these two grills is that they aren’t really trying to solve exactly the same problem. Both are kamado-style charcoal cookers, but the AKORN feels like a primary backyard grill, while the Joe Jr. feels like a compact specialist that can still handle serious cooking.
That difference affects almost everything, from the amount of food you can cook at once to how easily you can move the grill around.
Design
The Char-Griller AKORN has the more substantial backyard-grill design. Its 20-inch cooking diameter gives it a considerably larger footprint, and the 445 square inches of total cooking space gives me much more freedom when preparing several foods at once. The combination of the main cast-iron grate and removable stainless steel warming rack is particularly useful.
I also like the AKORN’s triple-wall insulated steel construction. Instead of using a traditional thick ceramic shell, it uses insulated steel to retain heat and restrict unnecessary airflow. That makes the grill feel purpose-built for maintaining temperatures while also keeping the overall design practical.
The eight-inch locking caster wheels and foldable side shelves add to that practicality. I can treat it much more like a conventional backyard grill when setting up a cooking session.
The Kamado Joe Joe Jr. takes a completely different approach. Its 13.5-inch ceramic body is dramatically smaller, and the cast-iron stand keeps the compact cooker elevated. The thick ceramic shell is designed to hold heat and moisture, which is one of the characteristics I appreciate about ceramic kamado cooking.
For a permanent backyard setup, I prefer the AKORN’s design. For compact outdoor cooking, the Joe Jr. makes more sense.
Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker, Triple-Wall Insulated Steel with Cast Iron Grates, Warming Rack and EasyDump Ash…
- VERSATILE KAMADO GRILLING AND SMOKING: Cook across a 200°F to 700°F temperature range to smoke low and slow, roast, bake, grill, or sear over real charcoal for authentic barbecue flavor.
- TRIPLE-WALL INSULATED STEEL CONSTRUCTION: The insulated steel body retains heat and limits airflow for greater fuel efficiency, steadier temperatures, and longer burn times that keep meats juicy and tender.
Ease of Use
The AKORN is surprisingly approachable for a grill with this much capability. The dual adjustable dampers give me separate control over airflow, while the built-in temperature gauge makes monitoring the cooking chamber straightforward.
The biggest advantage is the amount of space available. I don’t have to think nearly as much about arranging food around the available grate area. Whether I’m grilling several portions or setting up a low-and-slow cook, the 445-square-inch capacity gives me room to work.
The EasyDump Ash Pan is another feature I find genuinely useful. Ash management can become one of the less enjoyable parts of charcoal cooking, so having a dedicated removable pan makes the process considerably less tedious.
The Joe Jr. is simpler because there’s simply less grill to manage. Its cast-iron air vent provides temperature control, while the built-in gauge lets me keep an eye on the cooking temperature.
The limitation is capacity. A 13.5-inch grate is excellent for a small meal, but it requires more planning once the amount of food increases. I wouldn’t choose it as my primary grill for regular family gatherings.
Functions
This is where the AKORN pulls ahead most clearly.
The ability to operate across a stated 200°F to 700°F range gives the AKORN considerable versatility. I can use it for low-temperature smoking, roasting, baking, standard grilling, or high-heat searing. That makes it much easier to justify as an all-purpose outdoor cooker.
The cast-iron cooking grates are particularly suited to high-heat grilling, while the removable warming rack gives me another level for keeping cooked food warm or creating additional cooking space.
The temperature-control system is also well suited to kamado cooking. The indexed dampers allow me to make controlled airflow adjustments instead of simply guessing how much ventilation the fire needs.
The Joe Jr. is less feature-heavy, but that doesn’t mean it is incapable. Its ceramic construction, cast-iron air vent, stainless steel cooking grate, heat deflectors, and built-in temperature gauge give it the fundamental tools needed for versatile kamado cooking.
I particularly like the 304 stainless steel grate because it offers a practical balance between durability and easier cleanup.
Still, if I’m judging the two strictly on functionality and cooking flexibility, I give the AKORN the advantage.
Kamado Joe Joe Jr 13.5-inch Portable Ceramic Charcoal Grill with Grill Stand, Stainless Steel Cooking Grate, Heat Deflectors and Ash…
- PREMIUM 13.5" CERAMIC Grill with Cast Iron Stand: Experience portability and durability with this versatile grill.
- THICK-WALLED, heat-resistant shell: Locks in smoke and moisture for exceptional grilling results anywhere you go.
Maintenance
Neither grill eliminates the normal maintenance associated with charcoal cooking, but the AKORN has a few practical touches that make cleanup easier for me.
The EasyDump Ash Pan is the standout feature. Instead of having loose ash accumulate in a difficult-to-access area, the removable pan makes disposal much more straightforward. The included grate lifter is also useful when I need to access the charcoal.
The stainless steel warming rack is another sensible choice because it can be removed when I don’t need it, leaving the main cooking surface easier to access.
The Joe Jr. uses an ash tool for cleanup. It’s a straightforward approach and works with the grill’s compact design, but it doesn’t offer the same dedicated ash-management convenience as the AKORN.
The ceramic body also deserves some consideration. Ceramic is excellent at retaining heat, but it isn’t as forgiving as steel if the grill is dropped or subjected to rough handling. The Joe Jr. is portable, but I would still handle the ceramic body with considerably more care.
For routine maintenance, I prefer the AKORN.
Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Grill
Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker, Triple-Wall Insulated Steel with Cast Iron Grates, Warming Rack and EasyDump Ash…
- VERSATILE KAMADO GRILLING AND SMOKING: Cook across a 200°F to 700°F temperature range to smoke low and slow, roast, bake, grill, or sear over real charcoal for authentic barbecue flavor.
- TRIPLE-WALL INSULATED STEEL CONSTRUCTION: The insulated steel body retains heat and limits airflow for greater fuel efficiency, steadier temperatures, and longer burn times that keep meats juicy and tender.
Pros:
- 445 square inches of total cooking space
- 20-inch cooking diameter
- Triple-wall insulated steel construction
- 200°F–700°F cooking range
- Cast-iron cooking grates
- Removable stainless steel warming rack
- Dual adjustable dampers
- Built-in temperature gauge
- EasyDump Ash Pan
- Locking caster wheels
- Foldable side shelves
Cons:
- Much larger than the Joe Jr.
- Less convenient for true portability
- Steel construction doesn’t provide the traditional ceramic-kamado experience
- Takes up considerably more outdoor space
Kamado Joe Joe Jr Portable Ceramic Grill
Kamado Joe Joe Jr 13.5-inch Portable Ceramic Charcoal Grill with Grill Stand, Stainless Steel Cooking Grate, Heat Deflectors and Ash…
- PREMIUM 13.5" CERAMIC Grill with Cast Iron Stand: Experience portability and durability with this versatile grill.
- THICK-WALLED, heat-resistant shell: Locks in smoke and moisture for exceptional grilling results anywhere you go.
Pros:
- Compact 13.5-inch design
- Thick-walled ceramic construction
- Excellent heat and moisture retention
- Portable design
- Cast-iron stand
- Cast-iron air vent
- 304 stainless steel cooking grate
- Built-in temperature gauge
- Includes heat deflectors and ash tool
Cons:
- Much smaller cooking surface
- Not ideal for large meals
- Less practical as a primary family grill
- Ceramic construction requires careful handling
- No warming rack
Which One Would I Choose?
If I were choosing one grill to become my main outdoor cooker, I’d pick the Char-Griller AKORN.
The reason isn’t simply that it’s bigger. The AKORN gives me the combination I want from a primary kamado: substantial cooking space, strong insulation, precise airflow control, a broad temperature range, cast-iron grates, a warming rack, and convenient ash management.
I can see myself using it for a weekend barbecue just as easily as a long smoking session. The 445-square-inch capacity also means I don’t have to think about whether there’s enough room for the food before lighting the grill.
The Kamado Joe Joe Jr. would be my choice in a different situation. If I already had a larger grill and wanted a compact charcoal cooker for smaller meals, camping, tailgating, or other outdoor trips, its size becomes a major advantage rather than a limitation.
Its ceramic construction also gives it a different cooking character. The thick-walled shell is excellent at holding heat and moisture, while the stainless steel grate and cast-iron vent keep the cooking system relatively straightforward.
Final Verdict
Choose the Char-Griller AKORN if you want a full-size kamado for backyard grilling, smoking, roasting, baking, and searing.
Choose the Kamado Joe Joe Jr. if portability, compact size, and ceramic construction matter more than cooking capacity.
For most people looking for a single primary kamado grill, I recommend the Char-Griller AKORN. It simply gives me more cooking room and more practical features for regular outdoor cooking. The Joe Jr. is the more specialized option, but it is an excellent one if compact charcoal cooking is the priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Char-Griller AKORN bigger than the Kamado Joe Joe Jr.?
Yes. The AKORN has a 20-inch cooking diameter and 445 square inches of total cooking space, while the Joe Jr. has a 13.5-inch cooking grate. The difference is substantial when cooking for several people.
Which is better for smoking, AKORN or Kamado Joe Joe Jr.?
Both can be used for smoking, but I prefer the AKORN when I need more food capacity and longer cooking sessions. Its insulated body, adjustable dampers, and 200°F–700°F stated temperature range make it a versatile smoker and grill.
Is the Kamado Joe Joe Jr. portable?
Yes. Portability is one of its main advantages. Its compact size and cast-iron stand make it much easier to use for smaller outdoor cooking setups than the full-size AKORN.
Which grill is easier to clean?
I give the advantage to the AKORN because of its EasyDump Ash Pan. The Joe Jr. includes an ash tool, but the AKORN’s dedicated removable ash pan makes routine ash removal more convenient.
Which one should I buy for a family?
I’d choose the Char-Griller AKORN for a family. Its 445 square inches of total cooking space and warming rack provide significantly more room for multiple foods, making it better suited to regular family meals and backyard gatherings.
